600 protestors arrested on Babri anniversary

The 17th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on Sunday passed off peacefully barring sporadic protests by Hindu and Muslim activists and arrest of over 600 people in Chennai and Ayodhya to maintain law and order.

Demonstrations were held in various parts of the country amid tight security with some groups demanding that recommendations of the Liberhan Commission report be implemented while others raised questions over the findings.

Under directions from the Union Home Ministry, Uttar Pradesh and other state governments beefed up security and Ayodhya-Faizabad area was converted into a virtual fortress.

Police arrested about a dozen activists of Shiv Sena who burnt an effigy of Justice M S Liberhan on a main road in Ayodhya. Faizabad Senior Superintendent of Police R K S Rathore said they were arrested for violating prohibitory orders.

In Chennai, around 500 members of 'Thouheed Jamad', including 150 women, were arrested when they tried to picket in front of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's residence demanding arrest of those behind the demolition.

About 100 members of Hindu Munnani were arrested when they tried to stage a railway blockade at the Central station in Ayodhya demanding construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya.

While the VHP observed the day as "Shourya Diwas (valour day)", Samajwadi Party marked it as "Kala Diwas (black day)". All India Babri Masjid Action Committee held special prayers for peace and harmony.